Ultrafiltration (UF)

Our UF systems are usually operated in a pressure range of 10 to 50 psig and they remove particulate via size exclusion down to as low as 0.02 µm. Typical flux (rate of finished water permeate per unit membrane surface area) for UF is 10-100 gallons per square foot per day (gfd).

Wigen UF membrane systems use advanced hollow fiber or ceramic technologies operated in the outside-in or inside-out direction of flow. Given the small membrane pore sizes used with these technologies, fouling due to deposition of organic and inorganic compounds on the membrane may occur if the system is not properly designed and operated. Therefore, we use automated backwashing, air scour and chemical flushing processes to maintain the rate of membrane fouling within acceptable limits. Chemical cleaning is employed once a maximum transmembrane pressure has been reached. Typical cleaning agents utilized include acids, caustic, surfactants, enzymes and certain oxidants, depending upon membrane material and foulant type.